Cy vs. Luke

A bit competitive, are we?

a. Recess: basketball, soccer, and football—all stats are kept front and center. All races (they frequently race) have a line judge.

b. Assignments: whoever's done first WINS!

c. Quality Work: Mrs. M started to complain they weren't doing the "outstanding" work they were capable of, so now they compete for her "Outstanding" stamp on their work.

d. Then there's the "Outstanding Behavior" distinction. For this honor, Luke regularly straightens glue and scissors baskets and homework cubbies, while Cy straightens the book area and picks up trash. (Mrs. M docks points for Cy's persistence in negotiating for more points.)

e. Finally, you've got Cy and Luke's opinion polls. Each class member, Mrs. M, the volunteer parent (and her toddler) are asked this question: "Who do you like the best—Cy or Luke?"
(Turns out they're even, as usual.)

Good thing they're the best of friends.

Las Vegas, Part II

Circus Circus was a Circus.

I filed a complaint about a Circus Circus Adventure Dome security guard (instead of giving her a good knock in the head like I wanted to). Here's the story:

Rob sends the four younger kids up the platform to get in line for the log flume, while he heads for the ride exit to wait for them. Meantime, the kids are told Elle is too short to ride, so they go back down to where Rob had been, just missing each other. That's when they get lassoed by "Grouchy Grandma" security officer.

"Where are your parents?!"
Getty: "I don't know."
Grouchy: "Don't give me that. I don't have time for this sh--."
Sensitive Cy got teary eyed, to which she barked, "Why are you crying?"
Cy: "I'm not."
Grouch in a huff: "Good!"

Oooooooo.  Momma Bear was not happy to hear this story. Not happy at all.

Eight layers was all it took to keep warm for an 8 a.m. soccer game. No coat, so I just layered everything I did bring—2 shirts, 2 sweaters, 2 sweatshirts, Rob's fleece jacket, and a doubled-over wool blanket. Mmmm, toasty. (Of course, you'll notice that MK isn't even wearing under armor. Show off ;)

Rob took the girls to Jabbawockeez. M&M gave it rave reviews.

Vegas breakfast is served: ice cream in whiskey glasses.

Last minute Vegas entertainment before we head home.

Sign of a successful vacation: Rob said, "I could do this once a month."

Roadtrip: Las Vegas, Part I

Road trip to Las Vegas and MK's college showcase soccer tournament. Also, St. Patrick's Day.

While MK and Rob visited with Dixie State's women's soccer coach, the rest of us headed out for some fro-yo at Menchie's.

Cy was the one who wrote "getty's cool"—you know how Getty has a thing about "bragging." It got erased.

Getty almost swallowed his tooth.

Elle was sure she was getting pushed out of the picture and not happy 'bout that. 

Sorry about the gross napkin hanging out of Getty's mouth. Blood and gore are kinda his thing.

Cam's the mild, meticulous one, "The Prof." We sure do love him. He balances us out.

Back at Dixie, we couldn't resist running stairs while we waited.

Rainforest Cafe. Cam felt compelled to point to his shamrock for several photos.

Aunt Meme and Uncle Scott met us for dinner and stayed a night with us in our VRBO.

Subway, our favorite pit-stop (not mine, but everyone else's—dangit). Such a bummer to be that lady behind our line of 8 sandwich orders. Rob had just let a guy go in front of us, but she got there just after we started ordering. Sigh.

Vegas did warm up enough one day to chill at the pool.

I think Getty swam around with Elle for an hour.

Cam watched as this "claw" machine got serviced, so the repairman told him to go ahead and pick any animal he wanted.

He chose a pink bunny wabbit for Elle. Awww.

Wednesday (Backwards)

9 p.m. Late dinner. Scotty's in town! It's been over a year since we've had any contact. He's been living in L.A. without a phone, working security, and loving his privacy. We've missed him! He came back to get his Jeep and kitties. He told us about the time he got jumped by four gang-bangers. He tackled the first guy who swung at him and was taking care of business while the banger's buddies punched Scotty's head 20 or 30 times from behind and the girlfriend kicked him repeatedly with her high heels. Finally an off-duty cop grabbed Scotty and ducked him back into the club for cover. All this while the Head of Security stood back and watched. Now Scotty has that guy's job and his full-time hours. 

He keeps busy before work drawing, painting, and teaching himself the bass guitar so he can join Nate's band. Also, looking forward to being able to afford his first hot shower at his apartment in 10 months :) Looks great and seems happier than he's been in years. (That update was for you, Jen :)

M&M lovin' their Uncle Scotty.

Noon. Lunch with my high school girlfriends. If it weren't for them, I never would have had any fun in high school. Tracey would say, "Let's go toilet-papering or drive around the neighborhood! [age 14]" She said I'd always say, "No! We'll get in so much trouble!" Glad she stuck with me :)

10:57 a.m. Cinderella prepares to attend her very first birthday party for princesses for her twin girlfriends.

So, lunch with friends that day = finding someone to pick up Elle from the party, finding someone else to watch Cam, coordinating a drop-off, switching two different carpools, picking up two friends on the way and then dropping them off, then driving to two different cities to pick up those two toddlers. 

I've been a mom for so long now, I've realized it's just easier to not have my own life :) Then again, apparently I'm not big on fun. haha Lunch was definitely worth it. Always is.

Tubby Toyland

I think it took them 20 minutes to arrange their parking garage. They don't actually play with the cars, the fun is all in the set up. Wish they thought the take down was just as fun :)